Cabdriver group wants new fare hike

City cabdrivers today left a petition outside Mayor Richard Daley's fifth-floor City Hall office asking him to consider a 16 percent fare increase. They threatened to strike if they don't get it.

About 15 members of the United Taxidrivers Community Council gathered outside the mayor's office to deliver the petitions--taped together and rolled out like a red carpet--which they said contained the signatures of 1,300 drivers. The organization claims a membership of more than 1,000.

"Mayor Daley is the deciding factor. It's up to him if there will be a strike or not," said Fayez Khozindar, chairman of the organization.

The group is calling for a cost-of-living increase, a biennial review of fares, a freeze on lease rates and investigation of illegal leasing practices.

Members said they have not received a cost-of-living increase in four years.

"Everyone else gets a cost-of-living increase, even the City Council. Why haven't we?" asked Diane Santucci, who said she has driven a cab for 21 years.

Taxi drivers were granted a $1 surcharge by City Council earlier this year to cover higher gasoline costs.